By Alex Bryant | Executive Director
As we step into 2025, FIRST Chesapeake stands at the forefront of a movement that is redefining STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic. This season is marked by tremendous growth, increased accessibility, and transformative partnerships that are shaping the next generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders. From hosting historic events in new regions to expanding mentorship opportunities and enhancing representation in robotics, our journey this year is about breaking barriers and creating pathways for all students to thrive. Here’s how we’re making an impact.
Gearing Up for the FIRST Tech Challenge Championship
On February 8, 2025, the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Championship will take center stage at Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Fifty-four of the region’s most skilled teams will battle it out in a high-stakes alliance competition, vying for five coveted invitations to the World Championship in Houston this April. Additionally, ten teams will earn invitations to FIRST Premiere events hosted across the country, further showcasing their technical prowess and strategic expertise. The excitement, innovation, and sportsmanship on display promise to make this a season-defining event.
Breaking New Ground in West Virginia
History was made this season as FIRST Chesapeake hosted its first-ever robotics competition in West Virginia, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the JackBots team from Moorefield, WV. Originally slated as a smaller event, the competition expanded to accommodate 54 teams following weather-related cancellations, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that define our community. The success of this event underscores the growing demand for robotics education and the incredible grassroots support from the Moorefield community. We are excited to build on this momentum and continue to provide support for West Virginia, while they build local STEM ecosystems.
A Resurgence in FRC: Post-Pandemic Growth Returns
For the first time since the pandemic, FIRST Chesapeake’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program is experiencing meaningful growth. With the addition of seven new and returning teams, our total team count has risen from 105 to 112. This milestone is more than a statistic—it is a testament to our steadfast commitment to ensuring students in underserved communities have the opportunity to build, innovate, and compete. These numbers reflect a return to strength and a promising indicator of sustained expansion in the years ahead.
Women in STEM Scholarships: Finalists to Be Announced
Our Women in STEM initiative, backed by Dominion Energy, Qualcomm, and Leidos, has completed its rigorous interview process, and finalists will be announced soon. The winners will be recognized at an exclusive breakfast event in April, where they will be celebrated for their achievements and aspirations in STEM. As we continue to break down barriers and elevate female participation in robotics, this scholarship program remains a vital pillar in our mission to foster a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
In addition to the scholarships, Qualcomm has launched a Women in STEM Micro-Grant Program, which provides funding for teams that can demonstrate meaningful efforts to recruit more women students, mentors, and volunteers into their programs. This initiative aims to increase representation in STEM fields and recognize teams actively working toward a more inclusive and diverse robotics community. FIRST Chesapeake currently has a higher percentage of female representation than the national average, and we are committed to continuing this progress through mentorship, education, and financial support.
Geared Up: A Thriving Mentor Cohort
Mentorship remains a critical ingredient in student success, and our Geared Up: Emerging Mentor Cohort is expanding to meet the demand. This initiative provides structured onboarding, professional development, and year-long support for new FTC mentors. The program has empowered dozens of mentors with the tools and confidence needed to guide rookie teams to success.
Building on the foundation of FIRST Chesapeake’s Broader Mentor Support Program, this initiative connects new mentors with a network of over 500 veteran coaches, ensuring that guidance and expertise are always within reach. New coaches receive competition-ready Kits of Parts, easing their transition into the world of robotics leadership. The Mentor Conference provides invaluable training on fundraising, team management, and technical skills, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable mentorship. By lowering barriers and equipping mentors with expert-led training, the Geared Up program ensures that all teams—especially those in underserved communities—have the support they need to thrive.
FIRST Chesapeake Expands to Serve K-12 in Maryland
In an exciting new development, FIRST Chesapeake has officially adopted FIRST LEGO League Explore for Maryland, further expanding its impact on young learners. This initiative now allows FIRST Chesapeake to serve K-12 students across Maryland, providing hands-on STEM learning opportunities to elementary, middle, and high school students.
By incorporating FIRST LEGO League Explore into its portfolio, FIRST Chesapeake is fostering early engagement in robotics and nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. This expansion ensures that students of all ages, from budding engineers to advanced robotics competitors, have access to the resources, mentorship, and support they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead: The Future of FIRST Chesapeake
Each milestone achieved this season—from new regional expansions and growing FRC participation to strengthened mentorship networks and increasing gender diversity in STEM—reinforces the vital role of our community in shaping the future of technology and innovation. FIRST Chesapeake is no longer just about robotics competitions; it’s about building a culture of access, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
As we set our sights on the World Championships and beyond, we remain dedicated to expanding opportunities for students of all backgrounds. With your continued support, we can ignite curiosity, fuel innovation, and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Whether you join us as a mentor, volunteer, donor, or advocate, your involvement is crucial in helping us shape a future where every student has the chance to succeed.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
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